Shape Memory Wound Adhesive for Wet Diabetic Wound Contraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wound dressings lack the capability to form rapid and robust adhesion on wet wounded skin for extended periods and fail to provide precisely-controlled mechanical contraction, hindering effective closure of diabetic wounds.

Innovation Solution

A shape memory adhesive material containing hydrophilic polymers, amine coupling groups, and crosslinkers is pre-stretched and applied to wet tissue, absorbing fluid to transform into a hydrated rubbery state, triggering hydration-based adhesion and contraction, with a therapeutic agent released to facilitate wound closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If existing wound dressings are used, then passive coverage is provided, but rapid and robust adhesion on wet wounded skin is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidadhesion reliability on wet skin
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive material undergoes a parameter change from dry state to hydrated state upon contact with wound fluid, transforming from a non-adhesive dry film to a highly adhesive hydrated gel that forms strong bonds with wet wounded skin

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive material experiences a phase transition from a dry glassy state to a hydrated rubbery state, enabling it to absorb wound fluid and form robust adhesion while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Force

If existing wound dressings are used, then coverage is provided, but precisely-controlled mechanical contraction is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontraction forceVSAvoidcontraction control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive material is pre-stretched during fabrication to store elastic energy, and this pre-programmed deformation is maintained until application, enabling controlled contraction upon hydration without requiring external actuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical contraction system replaces complex active actuation mechanisms with a passive shape memory effect driven by hydration-induced phase transition, achieving precise contraction control through material design rather than mechanical control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If dry adhesive material is applied, then initial adhesion is formed, but extended period adhesion on wet skin is not maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion durationVSAvoid sustained adhesion strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive material continuously absorbs wound fluid and maintains hydration, sustaining its adhesive properties over extended periods by continuously forming and maintaining bonds with the wet wounded skin surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive material self-regulates its hydration state by absorbing excess wound fluid, maintaining optimal adhesive performance automatically without requiring external intervention or adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The adhesive material achieves predictable and controlled contraction of wounds, reducing wound diameter and hoop stress, accelerating healing by mechanically modulating diabetic wounds.

Implementation Method 1

The shape memory adhesive is a dry, pre-stretched hydrophilic polymer that absorbs wound fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The shape memory adhesive forms covalent bonds with tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCovalent bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

mechanical modulation of the wound through controlled contraction that reduces wound diameter and hoop stress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentEP4291257B1Shape memory adhesive materials for diabetic wound healing
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH
  • EP4291257B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4291257B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4291257B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3F

AI summary

A shape memory adhesive material for adhering and contracting wounds, particularly diabetic wounds, to facilitate their closure and healing. The shape memory adhesive is pre- stretched and dried to provide an adhesive structure with a pre-programmed strain, wherein the adhesive is capable of rapid robust adhesion followed by predictive contraction upon contact with a wet surface. According to preferred embodiments, the shape memory adhesive material includes a combination of one or more hydrophilic polymers or copolymers, one or more amine coupling group, and one or more cross linkers.